Causes of decreased appetite in adults. “I haven’t eaten anything for several days”: why I lost my appetite and why it’s dangerous

A healthy appetite is considered to be nothing more than a clear sign of excellent health, general well-being and mood. The term " appetite" comes from the word " ", which translated from Latin means " pursuit" or " wish" Appetite is a sensation that is directly related to the body's need for food. Plus, it is also a physiological mechanism that regulates the intake of various nutrients into the body. Unfortunately, not everyone has a good appetite, which directly indicates a malfunction in a particular organism. Given this fact, this problem should be taken extremely seriously. Do not under any circumstances leave this fact without due attention. Right now we will tell you about the reasons loss of appetite, and about methods by which the current situation can be corrected.

Appetite - what is it?

Appetite is a rather polysemantic concept that is directly related to the functioning of a number of brain structures called the food center. This center is located mainly in the hypothalamus and cerebral hemispheres. Let us immediately note that both the presence and absence of appetite are determined by a number of very diverse factors.

Their list includes:

  • quantity and quality of food;
  • nutritional conditions;
  • speed of food absorption;
  • the amount of water contained in body tissues;
  • level of fat reserve.

While eating, the appetite gradually dulls. This is not surprising, since eaten food stretches the walls of the stomach, after which they are digested. The breakdown products are then absorbed by the body, in turn causing a feeling of fullness.

Types of disorders

Modern experts distinguish 2 types of appetite:
1. general or “I want to eat!”: in this case, a person does not care what to eat;
2. specialized forms: in this case, a person wants to eat something specific, which indicates a lack of some substance in his body. The body may experience a lack of both fats and carbohydrates, minerals, proteins or vitamins.

Any appetite disorders are often referred to by one single term, namely dyslexia . There are certain subgroups of this pathological condition.
These include:

  • hyporexia: deterioration or poor appetite;
  • anorexia: complete lack of appetite;
  • hyperrexia: pathological increase in desire to eat;
  • bulimia: uncontrollable gluttony;
  • parorexia: various kinds of perversions of appetite.

Causes of disorders

The list of reasons that can lead to loss of appetite is huge.
Here are the most common ones:

  • dementia ( dementia caused by disease or damage to the brain);
  • heart failure;
  • bronchial asthma;
  • hypothyroidism ( a condition characterized by a long-term and persistent lack of thyroid hormones);
  • chronic liver pathologies;
  • lack of zinc in the body;
  • hepatitis;
  • appendicitis;
  • ulcerative colitis;
  • pregnancy period;
  • anxiety states;
  • nervous disorders;
  • tuberculosis;
  • chronic renal failure;
  • (blood pathology that occurs as a result of genetically determined insufficient or completely absent synthesis of hemoglobin by the body);

  • Crohn's disease ( recurrent chronic disease affecting various parts of the digestive tract);
  • acute viral hepatitis;
  • a course of drug therapy, including chemotherapy drugs, morphine, codeine or antibiotics;
  • chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
  • drug use, including heroin, amphetamine and cocaine;
  • cancer of the stomach, colon, blood, lung, pancreas, or ovary;
  • hypervitaminosis ( excessive amounts of vitamin D in the body);
  • kidney inflammation;
  • influenza condition;
  • pneumonia.

Some bad habits can also significantly worsen your appetite. So, for example, it is not recommended to consume either sweets or soft drinks between meals. Often appetite worsens against the background of anorexia ( loss of hunger associated with a neurological disease, hormonal dysfunction or malignancy).

How dangerous is this?

Poor appetite is a rather dangerous phenomenon. The whole point is that the food we eat is, in a way, the connecting link between our body and the external environment. In addition, food has numerous functions, namely energy, bioregulatory, plastic, protective and many others. It is thanks to these functions that the body manages to both synthesize and build new cells. In addition, food provides the body with the necessary amount of energy, takes an integral part in the formation of hormones and enzymes, improves the functioning of all organs and systems, and also significantly increases the body’s resistance to various pathological conditions.


Food products have another important function, namely signaling and motivation. It is with its help that the appetite is stimulated. Experts say that the feeling of hunger occurs at times when there is a decrease in the level of nutritional components in the blood. Simply put, appetite controls the intake of the required amount of vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, and fats into the body. It follows that poor appetite can cause nutritional imbalance ( ratio of food components).

What are the consequences of prolonged lack of appetite?

If a person does not want to eat for several weeks, this can lead, first of all, to exhaustion of the entire body, which is due to a lack of nutritional components that are so necessary for the normal functioning of all its organs and systems. Often the consequences are determined by the very cause that provoked the deterioration of appetite. So, for example, people suffering from diabetes may experience malfunctions of both the nervous system and the kidneys, liver or eyes. If the patient has cancer, prolonged lack of appetite can lead to his death.

Other consequences include:

  • decreased brain activity;
  • vitamin deficiencies;
  • excessive fatigue;
  • dizziness;
  • drowsiness;
  • weakness;
  • disorders in the musculoskeletal system.

Loss of appetite during pregnancy

A fairly large number of pregnant women notice that in the first months of gestation they lose all desire to eat. It is important to remember that it is in the first 3 months that the formation of both internal organs and fetal systems occurs, so high-quality nutrition during this period is simply necessary. Only food can enrich the baby’s body with all the necessary vitamins and microelements. Loss of appetite in the first months of pregnancy is most often caused by a lack of vitamin in the body AT 9 , i.e. folic acid, as well as iron. These microelements are considered essential for the body of both the expectant mother and her child. Eating large amounts of buckwheat and apples will help enrich the body with these components. Folic acid can also be purchased at the pharmacy in tablet form. It should be taken strictly as prescribed by the doctor, so as not to make a mistake in the dosage. Most often, patients are prescribed from 400 to 800 mcg of this drug per day.

If you experience loss of appetite during pregnancy, experts recommend using the following tips:

  • Walk outdoors as often as possible. After such walks, you will certainly want to eat;
  • Make a meal schedule for yourself and strictly follow it;
  • buy new dishes that you will like. It is best to opt for red dishes. It's no secret that the color red helps stimulate appetite;
  • the table should be set beautifully so that it is pleasant to sit at;
  • try not to eat alone. It is best to find yourself a company among whom you will enjoy sitting at the dinner table.

Loss of appetite in infants

When a newborn stops eating, young mothers are very worried about this. This is not surprising, since babies cannot yet say what the true reason for their refusal to eat is. Don't panic ahead of time. First of all, a baby may refuse to eat due to the onset of a cold. Often such young children refuse to eat because of the stress that they had to endure.
The thing is that even the most ordinary change of environment can become a very stressful situation for them. You shouldn’t assume that the little ones don’t understand anything at all. They are particularly sensitive to changes in both climate and their environment. In such cases, try to pay as much attention to the baby as possible. You should only visit a specialist if the loss of appetite is accompanied by a significant decrease in overall body weight.

Loss of appetite in children

Babies' eating habits change all the time. Sometimes the child eats more, sometimes he refuses to eat at all, throughout the entire day, and sometimes for several days. In most cases, children refuse to eat when they do not feel hungry or do not feel well. Fatigue can also cause a child to refuse to eat. They often eat sandwiches all day instead of eating three full meals. Children also have their own preferences regarding how food is prepared and presented to them. So, for example, they eat raw carrots with pleasure, but they simply cannot be forced to eat steamed carrots.

Possible causes of decreased appetite in a child

One of the most common reasons is the onset of a cold or any other pathology. In such cases, there is no need to force the baby to eat. It is best to carefully monitor exactly how he behaves. It is quite possible that within a few hours he will complain of pain in some part of the body, or you will notice he has a fever or a rash. Sick children should be given as much fluid as possible in the form of juices, tea, water or broths. All food should be easily digested. The body doesn’t need any extra stress right now. As soon as the child recovers, his appetite will immediately return.


Children often refuse to eat because they consume a certain amount of sweets. These can be cookies, carbonated drinks, candies or juices. All of these foods tend to suppress appetite. If lunch is not ready yet, and the child asks for something to eat, then instead of sweets, offer him a few vegetable sticks for a snack.

Emotional stress is another fairly common cause of loss of appetite. In such cases, the most important thing is to find an approach to the child. Calm him down, caress him and, together, help the baby get rid of the problem that has arisen. If you can’t do anything with your own efforts, then show your baby to a specialist who will definitely help you.

Factors influencing the baby's appetite

1. The intensity of hormone synthesis: the child grows unevenly. So, for example, in children under one year old, as well as in adolescents, a very large amount of both sex hormones and hormones of the parathyroid and thyroid glands is observed.


This is not surprising, since it is during these periods of life that the child grows and develops especially quickly. Given this fact, his appetite, as a rule, increases;
2. Seasonal patterns: since in winter the body produces much less hormones, the child eats less, but in the summer the opposite happens;
3. Individual characteristics of metabolic processes: Many of you have probably noticed more than once how two well-nourished children have different body weights, i.e. one of them is getting better, but the other is not. In this case, a special role is given to the amount of food not eaten, but absorbed;
4. Level of energy costs: Regular consumption of food allows you to enrich the body with both all the necessary nutrients and lost energy. It's no secret that children are especially mobile, therefore, day after day, their body loses a fairly large amount of energy. The more energy they expend, the better they eat.

Diagnostic methods

To identify the true cause of poor appetite, the patient is most often referred for a number of examinations. Diagnostic methods used in such cases include:

  • HIV test;
  • Assessment of kidney function;
  • Assessment of liver function;
  • Barium enema ( x-ray analysis of the colon);
  • Blood analysis;
  • Analysis of urine;
  • Pregnancy test;
  • Abdominal ultrasound
  • Study of the thyroid gland;
  • Colonoscopy ( visual inspection of the lower digestive tract from the inside);
  • Sigmoidoscopy ( examination of the sigmoid colon).

The last two studies are carried out only if a specialist suspects the presence of cancer. In some cases, it cannot be done without the help of a psychotherapist.

Treatment methods for loss of appetite

The course of treatment for loss of normal appetite is determined, first of all, by the cause that led to the development of this condition. If some pathological condition is to blame, then appetite returns immediately after it is cured. Appetite itself is restored during pregnancy, so expectant mothers most often do not need special treatment. If a person stops eating normally due to nausea, then there is no way to do without special medications. In most cases, such patients are prescribed promethazine or ondansetron.

Surgery is performed for patients whose appetite loss is caused by appendicitis. If a person suffers from dementia, then the course of treatment involves the use of special high-calorie nutritional mixtures. In extremely severe cases, artificial nutrition is prescribed directly through the gastrostomy tube.

Deterioration in appetite caused by a decrease in the total amount of thyroid hormones is treated with special medications that tend to replace the missing hormones. If appetite worsens due to an infectious disease, then antibiotic drugs cannot be avoided. And finally, for cancer, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery are performed.

Tips for those who have lost a good appetite

1. Forget about breakfast in bed and snacks in the bedroom or nursery;
2. Strictly follow a specific meal schedule, and do this in designated areas;
3. When sitting at the dinner table, do not rush in any way. Meals should last from 20 to 30 minutes;
4. In between meals, drink as much liquid as possible in the form of coffee, unsweetened tea or mineral water without gases;
5. Reduce your consumption of both chocolate and many other sweets to a minimum;
6. Regularly drink cabbage juice, which is an excellent appetite stimulant;
7. Eat meat broths or broths as often as possible;
8. Various sauces also help improve appetite, so add them to any dishes;
9. Learn the concept of normal and never overeat;
10. You need to eat often, but in small portions;
11. Carefully review the medications you are taking;
12. Exercise regularly;
13. Eat only those foods that suit your taste.

Medicinal plants

1. Recipe No. 1: take 20 gr. centaury herb, pour 1 cup of boiling water over it and leave for a quarter of an hour. Then we filter the infusion and take it 2 - 3 tbsp. l. 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals. You can also prepare a special tincture from the same plant, which should be taken 40 drops three times a day. Both remedies will help both improve appetite and restore normal digestion;

2. Recipe No. 2: mix 1 part calamus roots with 2 parts wormwood, put everything in a bottle and fill it with good vodka. After 10 days, filter the tincture and use it for oral administration, 25 drops three times a day, a quarter of an hour before meals;

3. Recipe No. 3: Yellow gentian also perfectly increases appetite. Take 20 gr. root of this plant, grind it thoroughly, fill it with vodka and leave to infuse. Then we filter the tincture and take it 1 glass 3 times a day. Before use, the required dosage should be diluted with a small amount of water;

4. Recipe No. 4: 1 tsp. Add crushed parsnip roots to 400 ml of water and let simmer for 10 minutes. Then we leave the broth to infuse for another 30 minutes, filter it and take it according to the following scheme: 1st week - 0.25 cups 3 times a day a quarter of an hour before meals; 2nd week - three quarters of a glass immediately before meals;

5. Recipe No. 5: pour 200 ml of boiling water 2 tbsp. l. chopped lemon balm herb. After 4 hours, filter the infusion and take it orally, half a glass, four times a day before meals. Every day we prepare a new infusion;

6. Recipe No. 6: you need to take 1 tsp. anise fruits and pour 200 ml of hot boiled water over them. After 60 minutes, filter the infusion and use it for oral administration, half a glass 2 times a day, 30 minutes before meals;

7. Recipe No. 7: steam 1 tbsp. l. blue cornflower flowers in 2 cups of boiling water. As soon as the infusion is infused, filter it and take it in 3 doses 30 minutes before meals;

8. Recipe No. 8: take 4 tsp. raspberry fruits and pour 400 ml of boiling water over them. After 3 – 4 hours, the infusion is ready for use. It is recommended to take half a glass four times a day. It is very important to use it exclusively warm;

9. Recipe No. 9: carefully chop the rhizomes of calamus, then 1 tsp. pour the resulting raw material with 2 glasses of boiled water and boil over low heat for 15 minutes. All this time the pan must be covered with a lid. Then we filter the broth, add a little sugar to it and take half a glass orally 3 times a day before meals. This remedy is especially effective if appetite has worsened due to the development of some gastrointestinal disease;

10. Recipe No. 10: grind 2 tsp. dandelion roots and pour the raw material with 1 glass of boiled water, after cooling it. After 8 hours, filter the infusion and use it for oral administration, one quarter of a glass four times a day. Using this product will improve the digestion process, and, consequently, restore appetite.

Herbal infusions

1. Collection No. 1: mix 1 part of wormwood herb and dandelion herb with half a part of yarrow herb and the same amount of white willow bark. 1 tbsp. l. pour the resulting mixture with 1.5 cups of hot boiled water and leave to steep for 30 - 40 minutes. After this, filter the infusion and take it orally, half a glass three times a day, 10 minutes before meals;

2. Collection No. 2: take 20 grams. herb centaury and leaves of fragrant rue, 10 gr. leaves of sage and the same amount of roots of angelica. To prepare this product, pour 3 cups of boiling water into 3 tbsp. l. received fee. After 30 minutes, filter the infusion and take 1 glass three times a day. It is very important that this infusion is taken before meals;

3. Collection No. 3: Let us immediately note that it can be given even to children. Mix 15 ml of burdock tincture, anise seeds, vegetable glycerin, chamomile root and ginger, then place the resulting mass in a dark, cool place. Before each use, the product must be shaken thoroughly. It is recommended to take it 1 tsp. before each meal;

4. Collection No. 4: it can also be given to a child. Take 7 mg each of sassafras, sarsaparilla, and chamomile roots and mix it all with 1 tbsp. l. grated ginger root and 400 ml boiling water. Place the resulting product on the fire and boil it for a quarter of an hour. Then strain the broth, add a little honey to it and take 1 tsp. before eating.

General information

It is necessary to distinguish between the concepts of hunger and appetite. Hunger is a reflex that occurs if the body does not receive food at a certain time. The mechanism of its development is as follows: the level of glucose in the blood decreases, after which a signal is sent to the hunger centers. At this moment, a person may feel increased salivation, a heightened sense of smell, and a tugging sensation in the pit of the stomach. This area is a projection of the stomach, therefore it always makes a person aware of the feeling of hunger.

note! When hunger occurs, a person does not have the desire to eat only certain foods. He eats everything.

Appetite is a special manifestation of the feeling of hunger, in which individual favorite foods are selected. It is influenced by the time of day, emotional state, nationality of a person, religion, and finally.

Decreased appetite refers to a state when a person does not want anything.. There is a concept of changes in appetite when habitual taste needs are disrupted. Doctors also diagnose a complete lack of appetite, leading to anorexia.

Causes of decreased appetite

A decrease in appetite is usually preceded by:

    • Intoxication of the body due to inflammation or poisoning. Due to the fact that at such moments he spends all his energy on removing toxins, digestion of food fades into the background.
    • Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, which are accompanied by pain and discomfort.
    • Malfunctions of the endocrine system organs due to diabetes mellitus, hormonal imbalance.
    • Oncology (stomach, colon or blood cancer).
    • Autoimmune diseases (scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis).
    • Depression, neuroses, neuropsychic disorders.
    • Side effects after taking painkillers - morphine, ephedrine.
    • Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia.
    • Pregnancy.
    • Excess fatty foods in the diet.
    • Metabolic disorders due to poor nutrition.
    • Adaptation of the body during physical activity to which it is subjected for the first time.
    • Low mobility and sedentary work.
    • Individual lactose intolerance, celiac disease.
    • Bad habits – smoking, alcohol, drugs.

Important!Quite harmless habits can also cause a dulling of appetite, namely: abuse of chocolate, coffee, and powerful energy drinks..

It should be noted that there are diseases in which a person also loses the desire to eat.

This is about:

    • Bronze disease, or Addison's disease, is an endocrine disease associated with adrenal dysfunction.
    • Still-Chauffer disease is juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
    • Typhoid fever.
    • Dementia.
    • Gastroesophageal reflux - when the contents of the stomach are thrown back into the esophagus.
    • Stomach and duodenal ulcers.
    • Schizoaffective disorder.

Associated symptoms

There is an opinion that a good appetite is a sign of health. Due to the fact that during the day the feeling of hunger and appetite replace each other, a person saturates his body, while remaining at the same weight. This is a kind of balance that ensures normal functioning.

If this balance is disrupted for psychological or other reasons, appetite may disappear. Sometimes the feeling of hunger disappears along with it.

Note! Lack of desire to eat for several hours is not a reason for frustration. This happens when, during a previous meal, a person eats a dish that is too high in calories. In other words, at such moments the body is provided with energy for a longer period of time.

The absence of hunger for 5 - 8 hours makes you think. By the time they expire, the blood glucose level will probably decrease, and the person will feel a loss of strength and weakness. After satiation, the stomach full of food will stretch, the glucose concentration will increase and a signal will be sent to the brain to stop saturation.

It is interesting that scientists have established: a person subconsciously chooses those products that his body needs at a given time. Athletes prefer to eat salty foods after training to replenish salt loss due to sweat.

Diagnostics

If your appetite decreases, you should consult a doctor. He will prescribe a full examination of the body, including:

What to do if you lose your appetite

If diseases that could cause loss of appetite are identified, therapy is prescribed to eliminate them. At the same time, doctors recommend adjusting the schedule and portions of food intake. In other words, they advise eating 5 to 6 small meals a day. The last meal should be 4 hours before bedtime. You should spend about 30 minutes per meal, chewing the pieces slowly.

Snacks should be avoided. Sweets should be replaced with fruits, sauces and marinades with spices, as they stimulate the appetite. For some patients, doctors prescribe vitamin B and zinc, which enhance the sense of smell. It is also important to maintain a drinking regime, especially when playing sports.

Note! Nausea during this period is relieved with Promethazine and other similar drugs. To improve the functioning of the thyroid gland, hormone substitutes are prescribed. Dementia is treated with high-calorie nutritional mixtures, inflammation with antibiotics.

In order to compensate for the lack of all microelements in the body, a person must eat properly and rationally. If there is no appetite, and the food itself causes rejection and a lot of other unpleasant sensations, then the person needs help. Lack of appetite can be caused by a variety of reasons, including not only diseases and pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract. Few people know, but this can also happen due to nervousness. In what situations lack of appetite is accompanied by nausea and weakness, we will find out further.

Combination of symptoms

In order to understand where to look for the cause, you should analyze the specifics of all existing symptoms:

Lack of appetite - the fact that a person could use some food is signaled by the brain, the neural endings of which send a signal to the digestive organs, forcing the person to think about food. As a result, gastric juice is gradually produced and the level of insulin in the blood increases. If there is no appetite, it means that the brain is busy with completely different, more important things at the moment. This can also be supported by diseases of the digestive tract, as a result of the progression of which, lack of appetite occurs as a natural protective reaction. Nausea - this process is also completely physiological, it is necessary in order to empty the contents of the stomach in critical situations. This sign is extremely important in diagnosis, because in combination with other symptoms it allows a more accurate diagnosis to be made. Weakness is a condition known to everyone, especially to those people who are forced to work a lot and hard. A person finds it difficult to perform usual actions, while feeling increased stress and fatigue.

Nausea, weakness and lack of appetite are perhaps the most common symptoms that both adults and children are familiar with. What prerequisites may influence the occurrence of such a clinical picture?

Causes

If we systematize all the possible causes that can cause weakness with nausea and complete lack of appetite, then they can be conditionally divided into two large groups: pathological and non-pathological.

Non-pathological causes

These reasons have nothing to do with the presence of diseases. They occur when the body is affected by external pathogenic factors, or occur as a natural process. Their main feature is as follows:

symptoms last no more than 4-5 days, after which they go away on their own; do not require medical care or medication; do not have life-threatening side effects on the body; may be repeated, but not more than once a month; do not cause acute weight loss.

Menstruation and premenstrual syndrome - during hormonal changes and preparation for fertilization, a woman’s body is literally subject to the actions of hormones. Sharp jumps in progesterone and estrogen, to which the body adapts gradually, can provoke nausea, weakness, and loss of appetite. When the cycle ends and a new one begins, the woman may also experience headaches and abdominal cramps, which is a completely natural process that does not require intervention. Overeating, especially at night - when during the day a person did not have the opportunity to eat properly, and meals were reduced to a maximum of fast food, then when you come home, where a delicious dinner awaits, it is difficult to control yourself. As a result, the gastrointestinal tract organs had no load all day, and in the evening, when, in fact, the body and all its systems are preparing for sleep and slowing down their life support processes, the food eaten can cause poor sleep. Eating heavy food before bed leads to nausea, which indicates the inability of the pancreas to produce the required amount of enzymes. Symptoms are especially acute in the morning, when nausea can continue with vomiting, which will lead to weakness and lack of appetite. Prolonged fasting - unauthorized refusal of food, supposedly in order to lose extra pounds, can cause nausea and weakness. The fact is that if food does not enter the stomach for a long time, the secretion produced has a detrimental effect on the mucous membranes, causing irritation. Sometimes nausea occurs immediately after a person experiences a strong feeling of hunger. Lack of food reduces performance and also causes weakness. Chronic fatigue syndrome is observed in people who constantly experience fatigue and loss of energy. This condition is typical for people who work seven days a week, and the number of hours of work is greater than rest. Workaholism is laudable, but it takes a toll on your health. Lack of adequate sleep affects the nervous system and brain, which can give incorrect commands to the entire body.

These reasons are most common in everyday life, since the modern rhythm of life makes proper nutrition and normal rest impossible.

Pathological causes

Associated with the presence of a disease in the body. In most cases, medical attention is required to resolve. This group includes the following reasons:

Dysbacteriosis is an intestinal disease in which the balance of beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms involved in the digestive process is disrupted. Poor digestion has a detrimental effect on the entire body, since it is not possible to obtain all the nutrients it is rich in from food. Endocrine diseases - hormonal imbalance and insufficient production of certain hormones can provoke nausea, sometimes vomiting, followed by weakness and lack of appetite. Chronic diseases of the digestive system that have worsened - most often such symptoms are inherent in gastritis, stomach and duodenal ulcers, as well as gastroduodenitis. Nausea, weakness and lack of appetite are the first signs that old diseases require attention and timely preventive treatment. Mental disorders - if a person constantly experiences increased emotional stress and stress, while there is no rest and support from loved ones, depression may occur. This psycho-emotional state implies indifference to everything that happens around, and is also accompanied by lack of appetite, nausea and general weakness. Intoxication – if pathogenic microorganisms are active in the body, this provokes intoxication. Especially often, such processes occur in the stomach and intestines, when bacteria entering from the outside begin to actively “take root” into the body and take from it everything that is available. In this case, nausea and loss of appetite are the primary signs indicating the presence of pathogenic microflora. Cardiovascular diseases - similar symptoms are familiar to people suffering from chronic arterial hypertension, when the pressure in the body is increased. Nausea can occur even after eating, and weakness is dictated by the wear and tear of the blood vessels. Drug dependence - if a person, either voluntarily or out of necessity, constantly takes medications, the gastrointestinal tract receives an enormous load, digesting and assimilating chemical compounds. As a result, nausea and lack of appetite may indicate the presence of gastritis and peptic ulcers, as well as pathologies of the pancreas. The presence of cancer - when a person has cancer (no matter what organ), and chemotherapy is carried out, all processes in the body, including digestion, are disrupted. Appetite decreases, which causes fatigue and drowsiness. Nausea and vomiting may occur, especially after taking chemotherapy drugs. The presence of an infection or virus in the body - many will think about why, when you are sick, you don’t feel like eating at all. The answer is very simple. The fact is that at the moment of active production of leukocyte cells, the body concentrates all its forces on this process, allowing the patient to recover as quickly as possible. Lack of appetite in this case is a justified measure. Excessive amounts of toxins can cause nausea and weakness, which can only be eliminated by maintaining adequate fluid balance.

Also, a decrease and complete lack of appetite, weakness and nausea are characteristic of the following categories of the population:

Drug addicts – long-term use of narcotic drugs gradually reduces the sensitivity of the brain and nerve cells, which leads to social degradation. Moreover, all the processes occurring in the brain are aimed at only one thing: searching for a dose at any cost. People who smoke - nicotine kills microscopic cells found in the stomach. From here, the process of breaking down food becomes somewhat more complicated. Plus, tar-rich tobacco smoke can affect the circulatory system, causing anemia. Alcoholism is the abuse of alcoholic beverages, which is carried out systematically, leads to disruption of the digestive processes, and also has a destructive effect on the cells of the pancreas and liver. Toxicosis of pregnant women manifests itself as a protective reaction of the body. At the beginning of pregnancy, the hormonal background is rearranged in such a way that all conditions are favorable for the development of the fetus, although the body itself tries in every possible way to reject the fetus, perceiving it as a foreign substance.

TOP 5 reasons

Among the most rare diseases that indicate their existence by provoking nausea, lack of appetite and weakness are:

Diabetes mellitus is determined by metabolic disorders in the body, as well as the absorption of glucose. A person may not suspect for quite a long time that he has problems with the pancreas and hormonal system. The pathology can develop over years and decades, until it takes on an acute form with more dangerous symptoms. Neurosis is a disorder of mental balance in which a person, under the influence of external stimuli, leaves his comfort zone. Nausea with neuroses appears exactly after appetite disappears. It is logical to assume that if food does not enter the body, it means there is no energy, and as a result, weakness appears. Pathologies of the thyroid gland - the rather small size of this gland can cause big health problems when its activity becomes uncontrollable. A lack or excess of thyroid hormones provokes various pathologies and diseases that are difficult to correct and treat. Oncology – in 95% of all cases of cancer diagnosis it is due to a random examination. A person may not even know about his problem, and the usual nausea in the morning, lack of appetite and weakness will be attributed to increased fatigue at work. Anorexia is a disease associated with a mental disorder and is the most life-threatening. Long-term refusal of food plays a cruel joke on a person, subsequently provoking a complete aversion to any food, even if it previously caused complete delight. Sudden weight loss is always accompanied by dizziness and insomnia. Absolutely all processes in the body are disrupted, so all available forces are aimed at maintaining vital processes.

When is medical help needed?

Only 3% of all patients who note constant nausea, weakness and loss of appetite seek help from doctors. Most conscious patients are ready to pay thousands for a “pill for all diseases” recommended by a kind aunt from a pharmacy.

Let's consider a number of situations when medical assistance is really urgently needed:

Nausea does not go away for more than 5 days, intensifies after waking up and ends with vomiting. In addition to general symptoms, more specific manifestations appear: pain in the abdomen, throat, and back. Body temperature increases and is not reduced by any medications. There is an acute attack of pain. Bloody discharge appears.

In these cases, there is no point in trying to help the person on your own. Self-medication is not only inappropriate, but can also cause complications. The most correct choice is to consult a doctor and complete medical examination.


What actions can you take?

If the emerging nausea, lack of appetite and weakness can be compared with the prerequisites (overeating, poisoning, PMS), and the general condition of the patient does not cause concern, you can resort to such actions as:

Drink a lot of pure mineral water. Take medications with enzymes: Pancreatin, Mezim, Pancreazim, which will speed up the digestion process and also help digest everything that the body could not break down on its own. PMS pain and lack of appetite can be eliminated with cranberry juice, nettle infusion and chamomile tea. If there are signs of an infection or virus on the face, the main task in this case is to maintain water balance (to prevent dehydration and speed up the removal of toxins from the body), as well as taking antiviral and antibacterial drugs.

Of course, the main reason is related to poor nutrition, so you can reduce the manifestation of unpleasant symptoms and completely eliminate them with the help of the following recommendations:

Avoid fast food and eat only healthy foods. Take food in small portions, not in one meal, but in 5-6 meals. The smaller the portion, the faster it is digested and absorbed in the body, without burdening it. Drink more pure mineral water, since it is the lack of water in the body that provokes disruption of all vital processes at the cellular level. Eat lean meats and fresh vegetables. Avoid fasting, even if it is for medicinal purposes. Only sports and proper balanced nutrition contribute to weight loss. Undergo an annual medical examination, without ignoring the testimony of doctors.

Thus, the unpleasant symptoms of nausea and loss of appetite can be associated with more than a hundred diseases, different in their focus. This fact indicates that if the symptoms do not go away on their own, and the clinical picture is supplemented by new manifestations, then you should definitely seek help from a doctor.

Do you still think that healing your stomach and intestines is difficult?

Judging by the fact that you are now reading these lines, victory in the fight against diseases of the gastrointestinal tract is not yet on your side...

Have you already thought about surgery? This is understandable, because the stomach is a very important organ, and its proper functioning is the key to health and well-being. Frequent abdominal pain, heartburn, bloating, belching, nausea, bowel dysfunction... All these symptoms are familiar to you firsthand.

But perhaps it would be more correct to treat not the effect, but the cause? Here is the story of Galina Savina, about how she got rid of all these unpleasant symptoms... Read the article >>>

Loss of appetite

Symptoms and signs:
weight loss
depression
loss of taste

Loss of appetite, medically called anorexia, can be caused by a variety of conditions and diseases. Some of the conditions may be temporary and reversible, such as loss of appetite from the effects of medications. Some of the conditions may be more serious, such as from exposure to a cancerous tumor.

Not everyone can boast of a normal (healthy) appetite. In most cases, people suffer from impaired appetite followed by undereating or overeating. However, external signs: excessive thinness and excessive fatness are not the only problem that arises. Loss of appetite is an alarming signal that indicates serious changes in the functioning of the body. Recently, cases of loss of appetite and uncontrolled weight loss have become more frequent, which have a negative impact on health.


How dangerous is loss of appetite?

To understand how dangerous a poor appetite can become for a person, it is important to recognize the very need for food. Food is the link between the human body and the environment. In addition, it performs a number of important functions: plastic, energetic, protective, bioregulatory and adaptive-regulatory, which are involved in the reproduction and construction of new cells, serve to cover energy costs, increase the body’s resistance to disease, take part in the formation of enzymes and hormones, contribute to the normal functioning of various body systems.
There is another function of food – signaling and motivational, which boils down to stimulating appetite. The desire to eat (in Latin, appetite) appears when the concentration of nutrients in the blood decreases. In other words, it is appetite that regulates the intake of the required amount of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals into the body.
In the part of the brain (hypothalamus) there are two centers that are responsible for satiety and hunger. A decrease in blood glucose levels signals that the body needs nutrients, while the entry of an active substance (cholecystokinin) into the blood signals saturation. Thus, loss of appetite can disrupt nutritional balance - the correct ratio of nutrients in the body, including essential ones (proteins, vitamins, minerals).
Interestingly, in animals, like ancient people, the concentration of nutrients decreases during the hunt, so the need for food increases when obtaining food. In the modern world, people no longer have the need to get food in the literal sense of the word, so people eat food with the appearance of an appetite.

Consequences of poor appetite

Of course, every person experiences poor appetite at least once in their life. Our body is wise and capable of self-healing, so with a short-term decrease in appetite, nothing bad will happen. But systematic refusal of food for a long period of time has extremely negative consequences for the body and can cause “starvation” of all organs and tissues, including the brain.
With a balanced, rational diet, the diet corresponds to the gender, age, occupation and weight of the person. Thus, the nutrition and appetite of preschool children differs from the nutrition of schoolchildren and students. And the food of an adult, depending on the type of activity, should replenish physical activity or expended mental labor. In the same way, it is important to take into account some of the nutritional features of older people, nutrition during the post-rehabilitation period, during pregnancy, etc.
If a child has no appetite, the baby may not receive enough biologically valuable substances, vitamins, macro and microelements necessary for his normal growth and development. Poor appetite for students and people with mental activities, reduces brain activity. With a decrease in appetite, those who are engaged in physical labor experience an increase in fatigue. It’s hard to even imagine what a bad appetite of a nursing mother can mean for a baby. Exhaustion of the body, weakness, dizziness, drowsiness - all these are consequences of loss of appetite.
Refusal to eat for a long time can cause a serious illness - anorexia. The disease is manifested by partial or complete loss of appetite and is caused by psychopathological disorders. Anorexia nervosa has become especially widespread in recent years. During the course of the disease, the patient manifests a persistent desire to correct the “excesses” of the figure. In an advanced state, with anorexia, muscle atrophy occurs, disturbances in the functioning of the musculoskeletal system are noticed, the functions of entire systems and the functioning of individual organs are disrupted. A person rejects food for so long that it is no longer absorbed by the body.

What to do: Lost appetite?

Appetite control is one of the most important characteristics when maintaining proper nutrition. Reducing appetite when overweight and stimulating appetite when exhausted are equally important for health.
In most cases, we suffer from eating poor quality food and gluttony, so there are a huge number of recommendations, available methods and methods that tell us how to reduce appetite. To be brief, they all boil down to the fact that it is necessary to eat low-calorie foods, exclude the consumption of sweets and flour products, fried and spicy foods, foods that stimulate the appetite, and engage in intensive physical exercise. Availability of information will help you choose the right diet or the most suitable way to lose weight.
For people suffering from lack of weight, it is necessary to increase appetite, that is, to arouse the desire for food. If you have lost your appetite, you don’t need to despair, but you shouldn’t put off solving the problem either.

Any persistent symptoms of lack of appetite should be assessed by a professional gastroenterologist.

Loss of appetite nausea

With heart failure, loss or change in appetite or nausea may occur. Some people feel a heaviness in their stomach even if they have eaten very little. They may also experience pain or tenderness in the abdomen.

These symptoms often occur because fluid accumulates around the liver and intestines, interfering with digestion. If you notice any changes in appetite or digestive problems, this may mean your heart failure is getting worse and you should see your doctor or nurse.

Loss of appetite and nausea are also common side effects of some medications.

In order not to risk your own health once again, do not trust traditional methods, but consult a doctor.

Weakness loss of appetite

Lack of vitamin B causes loss of appetite, weakness and apathy, increased irritability, insomnia, weight loss, the appearance of vague dull and sharp pains, mental depression and constipation. In children, this often leads to growth retardation. In cases of severe thiamine deficiency, beriberi disease may occur. Since B is necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system, its deficiency manifests itself in the loss of ankle and knee reflexes, neuritis, or muscle weakness of the legs, calves and thighs. Psychological symptoms of deficiency include disturbances of mental balance, poor memory, unaccountable fears, stiffness and persecutory delusions. The mystery of scientists around the world remains the relentless tendency for man to self-destruct his body. Contrary to common sense, the almost ideal mechanism of a human being is destroyed due to improper lifestyle and nutrition. Often shameless intemperance in eating gives rise to a brutal appetite. On the other hand, despite the natural appearance of appetite, a person rejects food, preventing the body from receiving nutrients that are so necessary for normal functioning. Here are the main reasons that cause poor appetite.
Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT)
Gastritis, cholecystitis, dysbacteriosis can be accompanied by pain, toxicosis, weakness, this often leads to poor appetite and severe exhaustion.

Wrong diet

With poor nutrition, when the desire to lose excess weight is accompanied by grueling diets that limit or exclude the consumption of a certain category of foods, loss of appetite is one of the problems that arise. Rapid weight loss develops into uncontrolled weight loss and without the intervention of qualified specialists, can lead to complete or partial loss of appetite (anorexia).

Starvation

There are several methods of fasting, which, as a rule, are accompanied by a long or one-day refusal of food. It should be noted that if all recommendations are followed and under the supervision of nutritionists, therapeutic fasting is beneficial. However, failure to comply with the conditions and rules of fasting, or the presence of diseases for which fasting is contraindicated, can lead to a complete loss of appetite. Fasting includes voluntary refusal of food and as a protest.
The result of improper treatment and consumption of harmful products

Long-term use of medications, herbal infusions or potent drugs, without the advice of doctors or due to an erroneous diagnosis, is one of the reasons for poor appetite. Refusal to eat can be caused by drug use, smoking, abuse of weight loss products, or use of low-quality medications.

Improper (irrational) nutrition
Untimely eating, as well as poor quality food lead to the formation of poisons and toxins, which lead to loss of strength and poor appetite. In addition, the diet must maintain the correct combination of food products from different groups (vitamins, proteins, fats).

Psycho-emotional state

One of the reasons for a person’s refusal to eat includes psychological and emotional disorders associated with the loss of loved ones or animals, quarrels and other troubles. Often, the resulting depression and feeling of inferiority are the cause of isolation and refusal to eat.

Since loss of appetite leads to weight loss, timely consultation with a doctor will help avoid problems such as exhaustion or anorexia.

Temperature loss of appetite

In most cases, all this occurs during poisoning of the body. After all, infectious poisoning always has symptoms of incessant vomiting and diarrhea, and with all this, there is weakness of the body, constantly breaking into a cold sweat. But if vomiting is accompanied, then at the time of all this you will need to drink about two liters of water to cleanse your intestines of infection. But after all this, you need to take the patient to the infectious diseases department of the clinic. After a series of droppers and gastric lavage, the acid-base balance is restored in the body. And with all the weakness of the body will go away a little. In case of poisoning, the patient will need to go on a strict diet and take special antibiotics in order to eliminate all the infections that caused the disease.

But if the patient experiences malignant histiocytosis, then it is accompanied by weight loss, and also with it, increasing weakness occurs and a high temperature rises. But diarrhea is also common with it.

But with stomach diarrhea, symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, weakness of the whole body, and dry mouth also occur. But you may even experience dizziness, loss of appetite and bloating, which will turn into sharp pain.

But diarrhea is very dangerous for the body because when the body becomes dehydrated, the water-salt balance is disturbed, which can lead to death if left untreated. Vitamins we need, such as calcium and magnesium, which are very necessary for the normal functioning of the body, are removed from the body.

After all, every rise in temperature and diarrhea, which leads to weakness of the body, is not an ideal human condition.

On the contrary, it is considered not a very useful condition, because any infection in the human body can lead to a number of different diseases. And all these symptoms should be treated only under the supervision of a therapist. Since proper treatment can prevent dehydration and loss of salts and essential minerals from the body, which contribute to the proper and efficient functioning of the body. Because not every disease can be cured on your own and at home.

Loss of appetite in a child

Picky eating can persist in school-aged children

Parents very often believe that their children are picky or capricious when it comes to nutrition. Indeed, in a study of eating behavior in young children, it was shown that up to 50% of parents consider their children to be fussy eaters.

While picky eating doesn't last long for some children, it becomes an ongoing problem for others. According to one study, in 21% of cases, parents characterized their children aged 4-5 years as picky eaters. Another study found that some children's picky eating habits persisted until they were 9 years old.

Typical behaviors of picky eaters include the following:

eat very little;

so much for certain types of food;
eat few fruits and vegetables;
refuse to try new types of food;
interrupt or delay food intake.

Excessive pickiness in nutrition can lead to gaps in your child’s diet:

picky children often receive significantly less protein and energy than children with a normal appetite;

In addition, picky children often receive insufficient amounts of certain vitamins and minerals compared to children with a normal appetite.

Potential dangers observed in children with constant food whims and poor appetite:

differences associated with nutrient intake;

reducing consumption of fruits, vegetables and fiber;
decreased consumption of certain microelements;
growth disorder;
slowing of mental development.

Tips: how to cope with a child’s picky eating habits and improve appetite:

try to prevent the child from being distracted while eating: eat in a calm environment;

Take a neutral position in relation to food-related behavior: avoid excessive praise, criticism, stimulation and coercion;
feed the child at the correct intervals and avoid “snacking” in order to increase the child’s appetite: feed him at intervals of 3-4 hours and do not give anything in between;
limit the duration of meals: meals should last 20-30 minutes, and if the child does not eat - 15 minutes;
use products according to the child’s age;
introduce new foods one at a time and offer the child the same food up to 5 times before you agree that he will not eat it;
encourage your child to eat independently;
Accept that while eating, your child does additional research typical for his age.

How to know if a child is in danger

Talk to your child's doctor about his picky eating behavior. This is especially important if the child:

loses weight or has stopped gaining weight;

grows slower than expected;
looks tired or lacks energy;

Dear parents, do not risk the health of your children, consult a doctor.

Symptoms of loss of appetite

Loss of appetite is a partial or complete refusal to eat. Loss of appetite is a protective reaction of the body. This reaction involves slowing down the digestion process to prevent substances from entering the body that could interfere with healing. Loss of appetite can be a symptom of serious illness.

Not only diseases lead to a decrease in appetite, but also taking various medications: drugs containing digitalis; antibiotics; cold medicines containing PPA (phenylpropanolamine); painkillers; diabetes medications; anesthetics; drugs for chemotherapy.

Loss of appetite may be a symptom of the following diseases

Addison's disease (Bronze disease)

Still's disease (Chronic polyarthritis in children)
Still-Choffard disease (Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis)
Typhoid fever
Infectious diseases
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (Gastroesophageal reflux)
Dementia (Dementia)
Depression
Peptic ulcer (stomach and duodenal ulcer)
Cancer
Seasonal affective disorder
Schizoaffective disorder
Anorexia

Treating a disease at an early stage is always much easier and faster, so don’t put it off until tomorrow, consult a doctor now!

Diarrhea loss of appetite

Typically, a series of wave-like muscle contractions propel food through the digestive tract. If they become too fast, the colon cannot absorb as much liquid from food as it should. This leads to diarrhea.

Diarrhea can be acute or chronic; The frequency of loose stools can vary from day to day and varies from person to person. The stool may be bloody, contain mucus or pus, or both.

Along with diarrhea, a person usually experiences pain or cramps in the abdomen, he may have nausea, vomiting, weakness, and loss of appetite. Depending on the cause of diarrhea, the type of stool and other symptoms vary.

Diarrhea and other symptoms of acute intestinal infection suddenly appearing exclusively loose stools;

strong stool odor;
painful and sensitive stomach;
nausea;
heat;
chills;
weakness;
poor appetite;
weight loss.

Diarrhea and other symptoms of colon cancer bloody diarrhea interspersed with pencil-thick stools;

abdominal pain;
loss of appetite;
weight loss;
weakness;
depression.

Diarrhea due to painful intestinal sensitivity In this case, diarrhea can alternate with constipation and normal stool.

a painful, tender, or swollen belly;
stomach upset;
nausea.

Diarrhea and other symptoms of ulcerative colitis: recurring bloody diarrhea containing pus or mucus;

spasmodic pain in the lower abdomen;
mild fever;
loss of appetite;
sometimes nausea or vomiting.

Since diarrhea can mean not just a stomach disorder, but a very serious illness, do not self-medicate, but consult a doctor immediately.

Loss of appetite and weight

A healthy appetite is a sign of good health. But even minor physical or psychological problems can affect a healthy person's appetite. Loss of appetite can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from digestive problems to serious illnesses. In this article we will look at the causes and treatment of loss of appetite.

Causes of loss of normal appetite. 1. Serious liver diseases: chronic renal failure, cirrhosis.

2. Serious diseases of the cardiovascular system, acute heart failure.
3. Pneumonia, HIV, hepatitis, kidney infections, influenza.
4. Inflammation of the intestines, digestive canal or pancreatitis.
5. Endocrine problems, low thyroid hormone levels, diabetes.
6. Some types of cancer - blood cancer, stomach cancer, colon cancer.
7. Autoimmune diseases - rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma.
8. Certain medications, antibiotics, anesthetics, chemotherapy, diabetes medications.
9. Drugs digitalis, Demerol, morphine, sympathomimetics - for example, ephedrine.
10. Mental disorders: anorexia nervosa, depression, schizophrenia.
11. Pregnancy.
12. Certain types of dementia - for example, Alzheimer's disease.

In addition, some bad habits also cause loss of appetite: drinking soft drinks or sweets between meals. Sometimes, overeating heavy meals rich in saturated fat can cause loss of appetite. In addition to this, many more reasons can be named. And in some cases it happens that it is simply impossible to identify the cause.

Diagnosis of loss of appetite.

If there is a gradual loss of appetite accompanied by weight loss, a medical examination is necessary - these symptoms may signal serious health problems.

During a medical examination, a number of tests are performed to determine the causes of poor appetite. Using a blood test, they determine whether the cause lies in hormonal imbalance, diabetes, or liver disease. A urine test can detect kidney infections. A chest x-ray can detect lung cancer or pneumonia. Among the medical procedures that diagnose the causes of poor appetite, the most common are:

complete blood count,

HIV test, abdominal examination,
testing kidney function, liver function,
barium enema,
thyroid function test,
Analysis of urine,
x-ray of the upper gastrointestinal tract,
pregnancy test.

Consequences of long-term lack of appetite.

If a lack of appetite persists for several weeks, the result may be exhaustion of the body, a lack of nutrients necessary for its normal functioning. Many consequences depend on the cause of the loss of appetite. Thus, diabetes can lead to disruption of the functioning of various internal organs (kidneys, nervous system, eyes), and cancer can lead to death.

Treatment for loss of normal appetite.

Treatment largely depends on the cause of this condition. As a rule, appetite is restored after the disease that caused poor appetite is completely cured.

If the loss of appetite is associated with pregnancy, then no treatment is required as such; after a few weeks, the appetite will recover on its own.

If loss of appetite is caused by nausea, then the main treatments used are drugs such as ondansetron or promethazine. If loss of appetite is caused by appendicitis, surgery will be required. People suffering from dementia are prescribed high-calorie nutritional formulas or even artificial nutrition through a gastrostomy tube. If loss of appetite is associated with low levels of thyroid hormone, special hormone replacement medications are prescribed.
If the cause of lack of appetite is infectious diseases, treatment is carried out with antibiotics.
The main methods of treating cancer are radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery.

Getting rid of bad appetite at home.

At home, including nutritious meals, snacks, and drinks rich in proteins in your diet will help you cope with loss of appetite.

Yeast, along with vitamin B complex, is one of the most effective nutritional supplements. Green vegetables are also very good at stimulating appetite. A lack of the mineral zinc affects the sense of smell and touch, and this negatively affects a person’s appetite. You can stimulate your appetite with herbal infusions if you drink them half an hour before meals. For loss of appetite caused by emotional problems, you should use herbal infusions based on chamomile, lemon balm, dill, and peppermint. The healing properties of these herbs will help not only calm the psyche, but also stimulate the appetite.

Since there can be many reasons for loss of appetite and weight, we still advise you not to self-medicate, but to undergo an examination program.

A good appetite has always been considered a sign of good health. The correct operation of the mechanism responsible for satisfying the need for nutrients and obtaining pleasure from it indicates that the body functions without any special deviations. However, human appetite is a variable quantity. It depends on the nutritional culture instilled in childhood, taste preferences (which can change more than once during life), weather, mood and many other factors. Therefore, periodic loss of appetite is normal. A complete lack of interest in food, especially when it lasts long enough, can be a sign of serious health problems.

Intoxication of the body

Appetite is regulated by a special food center located in the brain. When toxins enter the body, the functioning of this structure is temporarily blocked, since the main work of all systems at that moment is aimed at trying to get rid of dangerous substances. Intoxication can be caused by:

food poisoning; overdose of nicotine or alcohol; exposure to chemical compounds contained in household chemicals, cosmetics or perfumes, as well as paint used in the production of fabrics, and other harmful components contained in objects with which a person has frequent direct contact; carbon monoxide poisoning; use of medications; acute infection (flu, ARVI, hepatitis, etc.).

As a rule, after toxic substances are removed from the body, appetite returns.


Loss of appetite, medically called anorexia, can be caused by a variety of conditions and diseases. Some of the conditions may be temporary and reversible, such as loss of appetite from the effects of medications. Some of the conditions may be more serious, such as from exposure to a cancerous tumor.

Not everyone can boast of a normal (healthy) appetite. In most cases, people suffer from impaired appetite followed by undereating or overeating. However, external signs: excessive thinness and excessive fatness are not the only problem that arises. Loss of appetite is an alarming signal that indicates serious changes in the functioning of the body. Recently, cases of loss of appetite and uncontrolled weight loss have become more frequent, which have a negative impact on health.

How dangerous is loss of appetite?
To understand how dangerous a poor appetite can become for a person, it is important to recognize the very need for food. Food is the link between the human body and the environment. In addition, it performs a number of important functions: plastic, energetic, protective, bioregulatory and adaptive-regulatory, which are involved in the reproduction and construction of new cells, serve to cover energy costs, increase the body’s resistance to disease, take part in the formation of enzymes and hormones, contribute to the normal functioning of various body systems.
There is another function of food – signaling and motivational, which boils down to stimulating appetite. The desire to eat (in Latin, appetite) appears when the concentration of nutrients in the blood decreases. In other words, it is appetite that regulates the intake of the required amount of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals into the body.
In the part of the brain (hypothalamus) there are two centers that are responsible for satiety and hunger. A decrease in blood glucose levels signals that the body needs nutrients, while the entry of an active substance (cholecystokinin) into the blood signals saturation. Thus, loss of appetite can disrupt nutritional balance - the correct ratio of nutrients in the body, including essential ones (proteins, vitamins, minerals).
Interestingly, in animals, like ancient people, the concentration of nutrients decreases during the hunt, so the need for food increases when obtaining food. In the modern world, people no longer have the need to get food in the literal sense of the word, so people eat food with the appearance of an appetite.

Consequences of poor appetite
Of course, every person experiences poor appetite at least once in their life. Our body is wise and capable of self-healing, so with a short-term decrease in appetite, nothing bad will happen. But systematic refusal of food for a long period of time has extremely negative consequences for the body and can cause “starvation” of all organs and tissues, including the brain.
With a balanced, rational diet, the diet corresponds to the gender, age, occupation and weight of the person. Thus, the nutrition and appetite of preschool children differs from the nutrition of schoolchildren and students. And the food of an adult, depending on the type of activity, should replenish physical activity or expended mental labor. In the same way, it is important to take into account some of the nutritional features of older people, nutrition during the post-rehabilitation period, during pregnancy, etc.
If a child has no appetite, the baby may not receive enough biologically valuable substances, vitamins, macro and microelements necessary for his normal growth and development. Poor appetite for students and people with mental activities, reduces brain activity. With a decrease in appetite, those who are engaged in physical labor experience an increase in fatigue. It’s hard to even imagine what a bad appetite of a nursing mother can mean for a baby. Exhaustion of the body, weakness, dizziness, drowsiness - all these are consequences of loss of appetite.
Refusal to eat for a long time can cause a serious illness - anorexia. The disease is manifested by partial or complete loss of appetite and is caused by psychopathological disorders. Anorexia nervosa has become especially widespread in recent years. During the course of the disease, the patient manifests a persistent desire to correct the “excesses” of the figure. In an advanced state, with anorexia, muscle atrophy occurs, disturbances in the functioning of the musculoskeletal system are noticed, the functions of entire systems and the functioning of individual organs are disrupted. A person rejects food for so long that it is no longer absorbed by the body.

What to do: Lost appetite?
Appetite control is one of the most important characteristics when maintaining proper nutrition. Reducing appetite when overweight and stimulating appetite when exhausted are equally important for health.
In most cases, we suffer from eating poor quality food and gluttony, so there are a huge number of recommendations, available methods and methods that tell us how to reduce appetite. To be brief, they all boil down to the fact that it is necessary to eat low-calorie foods, exclude the consumption of sweets and flour products, fried and spicy foods, foods that stimulate the appetite, and engage in intensive physical exercise. Availability of information will help you choose the right diet or the most suitable way to lose weight.
For people suffering from lack of weight, it is necessary to increase appetite, that is, to arouse the desire for food. If you have lost your appetite, you don’t need to despair, but you shouldn’t put off solving the problem either.

Any persistent symptoms of lack of appetite should be assessed by a professional gastroenterologist.

Loss of appetite nausea

With heart failure, loss or change in appetite or nausea may occur. Some people feel a heaviness in their stomach even if they have eaten very little. They may also experience pain or tenderness in the abdomen.

These symptoms often occur because fluid accumulates around the liver and intestines, interfering with digestion. If you notice any changes in appetite or digestive problems, this may mean your heart failure is getting worse and you should see your doctor or nurse.

Loss of appetite and nausea are also common side effects of some medications.

In order not to risk your own health once again, do not trust traditional methods, but consult a doctor.

Weakness loss of appetite

Lack of vitamin B causes loss of appetite, weakness and apathy, increased irritability, insomnia, weight loss, the appearance of vague dull and sharp pains, mental depression and constipation. In children, this often leads to growth retardation. In cases of severe thiamine deficiency, beriberi disease may occur. Since B is necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system, its deficiency manifests itself in the loss of ankle and knee reflexes, neuritis, or muscle weakness of the legs, calves and thighs. Psychological symptoms of deficiency include disturbances of mental balance, poor memory, unaccountable fears, stiffness and persecutory delusions.

The mystery of scientists around the world remains the relentless tendency for man to self-destruct his body. Contrary to common sense, the almost ideal mechanism of a human being is destroyed due to improper lifestyle and nutrition. Often shameless intemperance in eating gives rise to a brutal appetite. On the other hand, despite the natural appearance of appetite, a person rejects food, preventing the body from receiving nutrients that are so necessary for normal functioning. Here are the main reasons that cause poor appetite.
Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT)
Gastritis, cholecystitis, dysbacteriosis can be accompanied by pain, toxicosis, weakness, this often leads to poor appetite and severe exhaustion.

Wrong diet
With poor nutrition, when the desire to lose excess weight is accompanied by grueling diets that limit or exclude the consumption of a certain category of foods, loss of appetite is one of the problems that arise. Rapid weight loss develops into uncontrolled weight loss and without the intervention of qualified specialists, can lead to complete or partial loss of appetite (anorexia).

Starvation
There are several methods of fasting, which, as a rule, are accompanied by a long or one-day refusal of food. It should be noted that if all recommendations are followed and under the supervision of nutritionists, therapeutic fasting is beneficial. However, failure to comply with the conditions and rules of fasting, or the presence of diseases for which fasting is contraindicated, can lead to a complete loss of appetite. Fasting includes voluntary refusal of food and as a protest.
The result of improper treatment and consumption of harmful products

Long-term use of medications, herbal infusions or potent drugs, without the advice of doctors or due to an erroneous diagnosis, is one of the reasons for poor appetite. Refusal to eat can be caused by drug use, smoking, abuse of weight loss products, or use of low-quality medications.
Improper (irrational) nutrition
Untimely eating, as well as poor quality food lead to the formation of poisons and toxins, which lead to loss of strength and poor appetite. In addition, the diet must maintain the correct combination of food products from different groups (vitamins, proteins, fats).

Psycho-emotional state
One of the reasons for a person’s refusal to eat includes psychological and emotional disorders associated with the loss of loved ones or animals, quarrels and other troubles. Often, the resulting depression and feeling of inferiority are the cause of isolation and refusal to eat.

Since loss of appetite leads to weight loss, timely consultation with a doctor will help avoid problems such as exhaustion or anorexia.

Temperature loss of appetite

In most cases, all this occurs during poisoning of the body. After all, infectious poisoning always has symptoms of incessant vomiting and diarrhea, and with all this, there is weakness of the body, constantly breaking into a cold sweat. But if vomiting is accompanied, then at the time of all this you will need to drink about two liters of water to cleanse your intestines of infection. But after all this, you need to take the patient to the infectious diseases department of the clinic. After a series of droppers and gastric lavage, the acid-base balance is restored in the body. And with all the weakness of the body will go away a little. In case of poisoning, the patient will need to go on a strict diet and take special antibiotics in order to eliminate all the infections that caused the disease.

But if the patient experiences malignant histiocytosis, then it is accompanied by weight loss, and also with it, increasing weakness occurs and a high temperature rises. But diarrhea is also common with it.

But with stomach diarrhea, symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, weakness of the whole body, and dry mouth also occur. But you may even experience dizziness, loss of appetite and bloating, which will turn into sharp pain.

But diarrhea is very dangerous for the body because when the body becomes dehydrated, the water-salt balance is disturbed, which can lead to death if left untreated. Vitamins we need, such as calcium and magnesium, which are very necessary for the normal functioning of the body, are removed from the body.

After all, every rise in temperature and diarrhea, which leads to weakness of the body, is not an ideal human condition.

On the contrary, it is considered not a very useful condition, because any infection in the human body can lead to a number of different diseases. And all these symptoms should be treated only under the supervision of a therapist. Since proper treatment can prevent dehydration and loss of salts and essential minerals from the body, which contribute to the proper and efficient functioning of the body. Because not every disease can be cured on your own and at home.

Loss of appetite in a child

Picky eating can persist in school-aged children

Parents very often believe that their children are picky or capricious when it comes to nutrition. Indeed, in a study of eating behavior in young children, it was shown that up to 50% of parents consider their children to be fussy eaters.

While picky eating doesn't last long for some children, it becomes an ongoing problem for others. According to one study, in 21% of cases, parents characterized their children aged 4-5 years as picky eaters. Another study found that some children's picky eating habits persisted until they were 9 years old.

Typical behaviors of picky eaters include the following:

They eat very little;
so much for certain types of food;
eat few fruits and vegetables;
refuse to try new types of food;
interrupt or delay food intake.

Excessive pickiness in nutrition can lead to gaps in your child’s diet:

Picky children often receive significantly less protein and energy than children with a normal appetite;
In addition, picky children often receive insufficient amounts of certain vitamins and minerals compared to children with a normal appetite.

Potential dangers observed in children with constant food whims and poor appetite:

Differences associated with nutrient intake;
reducing consumption of fruits, vegetables and fiber;
decreased consumption of certain microelements;
growth disorder;
slowing of mental development.

Tips: how to cope with a child’s picky eating habits and improve appetite:

Try to ensure that the child is not distracted while eating: he should eat in a calm environment;
Take a neutral position in relation to food-related behavior: avoid excessive praise, criticism, stimulation and coercion;
feed the child at the correct intervals and avoid “snacking” in order to increase the child’s appetite: feed him at intervals of 3-4 hours and do not give anything in between;
limit the duration of meals: meals should last 20-30 minutes, and if the child does not eat - 15 minutes;
use products according to the child’s age;
introduce new foods one at a time and offer the child the same food up to 5 times before you agree that he will not eat it;
encourage your child to eat independently;
Accept that while eating, your child does additional research typical for his age.

How to know if a child is in danger

Talk to your child's doctor about his picky eating behavior. This is especially important if the child:

Loses weight or has stopped gaining weight;
grows slower than expected;
looks tired or lacks energy;

Dear parents, do not risk the health of your children, consult a doctor.

Symptoms of loss of appetite

Loss of appetite is a partial or complete refusal to eat. Loss of appetite is a protective reaction of the body. This reaction involves slowing down the digestion process to prevent substances from entering the body that could interfere with healing. Loss of appetite can be a symptom of serious illness.

Not only diseases lead to a decrease in appetite, but also taking various medications: drugs containing digitalis; antibiotics; cold medicines containing PPA (phenylpropanolamine); painkillers; diabetes medications; anesthetics; drugs for chemotherapy.

Loss of appetite may be a symptom of the following diseases

Addison's disease (Bronze disease)
Still's disease (Chronic polyarthritis in children)
Still-Choffard disease (Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis)
Typhoid fever
Infectious diseases
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (Gastroesophageal reflux)
Dementia (Dementia)
Depression
Peptic ulcer (stomach and duodenal ulcer)
Cancer
Seasonal affective disorder
Schizoaffective disorder
Anorexia

Treating a disease at an early stage is always much easier and faster, so don’t put it off until tomorrow, consult a doctor now!

Diarrhea loss of appetite

Typically, a series of wave-like muscle contractions propel food through the digestive tract. If they become too fast, the colon cannot absorb as much liquid from food as it should. This leads to diarrhea.

Diarrhea can be acute or chronic; The frequency of loose stools can vary from day to day and varies from person to person. The stool may be bloody, contain mucus or pus, or both.

Along with diarrhea, a person usually experiences pain or cramps in the abdomen, he may have nausea, vomiting, weakness, and loss of appetite. Depending on the cause of diarrhea, the type of stool and other symptoms vary.

Diarrhea and other symptoms of acute intestinal infection
suddenly appearing exclusively loose stools;
strong stool odor;
painful and sensitive stomach;
nausea;
heat;
chills;
weakness;
poor appetite;
weight loss.

Diarrhea and other symptoms of colon cancer
bloody diarrhea interspersed with pencil-thick stools;
abdominal pain;
loss of appetite;
weight loss;
weakness;
depression.

Diarrhea due to painful intestinal sensitivity
In this case, diarrhea can alternate with constipation and normal stool.
a painful, tender, or swollen belly;
stomach upset;
nausea.

Diarrhea and other symptoms of ulcerative colitis:
recurring bloody diarrhea containing pus or mucus;
spasmodic pain in the lower abdomen;
mild fever;
loss of appetite;
sometimes nausea or vomiting.

Since diarrhea can mean not just a stomach disorder, but a very serious illness, do not self-medicate, but consult a doctor immediately.

Loss of appetite and weight

A healthy appetite is a sign of good health. But even minor physical or psychological problems can affect a healthy person's appetite. Loss of appetite can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from digestive problems to serious illnesses. In this article we will look at the causes and treatment of loss of appetite.

Causes of loss of normal appetite.
1. Serious liver diseases: chronic renal failure, cirrhosis.
2. Serious diseases of the cardiovascular system, acute heart failure.
3. Pneumonia, HIV, hepatitis, kidney infections, influenza.
4. Inflammation of the intestines, digestive canal or pancreatitis.
5. Endocrine problems, low thyroid hormone levels, diabetes.
6. Some types of cancer - blood cancer, stomach cancer, colon cancer.
7. Autoimmune diseases - rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma.
8. Certain medications, antibiotics, anesthetics, chemotherapy, diabetes medications.
9. Drugs digitalis, Demerol, morphine, sympathomimetics - for example, ephedrine.
10. Mental disorders: anorexia nervosa, depression, schizophrenia.
11. Pregnancy.
12. Certain types of dementia - for example, Alzheimer's disease.

In addition, some bad habits also cause loss of appetite: drinking soft drinks or sweets between meals. Sometimes, overeating heavy meals rich in saturated fat can cause loss of appetite. In addition to this, many more reasons can be named. And in some cases it happens that it is simply impossible to identify the cause.

Diagnosis of loss of appetite.

If there is a gradual loss of appetite accompanied by weight loss, a medical examination is necessary - these symptoms may signal serious health problems.

During a medical examination, a number of tests are performed to determine the causes of poor appetite. Using a blood test, they determine whether the cause lies in hormonal imbalance, diabetes, or liver disease. A urine test can detect kidney infections. A chest x-ray can detect lung cancer or pneumonia. Among the medical procedures that diagnose the causes of poor appetite, the most common are:

Complete blood test
HIV test,
examination of the abdominal organs,
testing kidney function, liver function,
barium enema,
thyroid function test,
Analysis of urine,
x-ray of the upper gastrointestinal tract,
pregnancy test.

Consequences of long-term lack of appetite.

If a lack of appetite persists for several weeks, the result may be exhaustion of the body, a lack of nutrients necessary for its normal functioning. Many consequences depend on the cause of the loss of appetite. Thus, diabetes can lead to disruption of the functioning of various internal organs (kidneys, nervous system, eyes), and cancer can lead to death.

Treatment for loss of normal appetite.

Treatment largely depends on the cause of this condition. As a rule, appetite is restored after the disease that caused poor appetite is completely cured.

If the loss of appetite is associated with pregnancy, then no treatment is required as such; after a few weeks, the appetite will recover on its own.
If loss of appetite is caused by nausea, then the main treatments used are drugs such as ondansetron or promethazine.
If loss of appetite is caused by appendicitis, surgery will be required.
People suffering from dementia are prescribed high-calorie nutritional formulas or even artificial nutrition through a gastrostomy tube.
If loss of appetite is associated with low levels of thyroid hormone, special hormone replacement medications are prescribed.
If the cause of lack of appetite is infectious diseases, treatment is carried out with antibiotics.
The main methods of treating cancer are radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery.

Getting rid of bad appetite at home.

At home, including nutritious meals, snacks, and drinks rich in proteins in your diet will help you cope with loss of appetite.
Yeast, along with vitamin B complex, is one of the most effective nutritional supplements. Green vegetables are also very good at stimulating appetite. A lack of the mineral zinc affects the sense of smell and touch, and this negatively affects a person’s appetite.
You can stimulate your appetite with herbal infusions if you drink them half an hour before meals. For loss of appetite caused by emotional problems, you should use herbal infusions based on chamomile, lemon balm, dill, and peppermint. The healing properties of these herbs will help not only calm the psyche, but also stimulate the appetite.

Since there can be many reasons for loss of appetite and weight, we still advise you not to self-medicate, but to undergo an examination program.

Video about loss of appetite

Decreased or lack of appetite (anorexia) is a common symptom characteristic of infectious, oncological, mental, endocrine pathologies and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Causes of lack of appetite

Appetite is the need to eat food, gradually turning into a feeling of hunger. Despite the banality of this definition, behind it lies a very complex mechanism responsible for regulating the energy balance in the human body. It includes several levels: the nuclei of the hypothalamus, the brain stem, the pleasure center, sending and receiving signals through biologically active substances. The source of the latter can be adipose tissue, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, endocrine glands. They produce hormones that regulate appetite.

Thus, a decrease in the blood level of insulin, a pancreatic hormone, leads to an increase in appetite (the phenomenon of insulin crisis). Leptin is a hormone produced in adipose tissue. High concentrations of leptin in the blood lead to an increase in body weight due to fat. During fasting, the level of leptin in the blood plasma decreases, while fat is mobilized and broken down, and a feeling of hunger appears.

Another hormone, ghrelin, produced in the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines of a hungry person, tells the central nervous system that the gastrointestinal tract is ready to eat food. The higher its level in the blood, the more you want to eat. Immediately after eating, its plasma concentration begins to decrease, reflecting the intake of nutrients into the body.

There are many similar hormones and hormone-like substances that take part in regulating the need for food. The presence of diseases that can disrupt these connections is a potential cause of loss of appetite. The most striking example of such a pathology is appetite disturbance in patients with anorexia nervosa.

Victims of anorexia refuse to eat until the body is completely exhausted. Research aimed at studying the causes of this disease has revealed that with anorexia, almost all parts of the mechanism that regulates appetite are affected. This is why anorexia nervosa is difficult to treat.

There are other types of eating disorders that are also associated with disorders of appetite regulation (bulimia, psychogenic overeating, psychogenic vomiting).

Predisposing factors for poor appetite

Appetite is also affected by other factors, related or unrelated to any disease:

  • Taking medications;
  • Psychological problems, severe stress (loss of appetite due to depression);
  • Medical procedures and manipulations;
  • Eating environment;
  • Some physiological conditions (loss of appetite during pregnancy);
  • Quality and appearance of food (food can be disgusting if there are negative associations);
  • Alcohol abuse, drug addiction.

Diagnosis of appetite disorders

Identification and assessment of loss of appetite is complicated by the fact that there are no specific criteria that allow us to consider the need to eat as a clear sign of disturbance. Individual characteristics vary significantly from person to person and depend on gender, age, profession, sports, bad habits and hormonal status. For example, older people cope with hunger more easily and maintain a feeling of satiety with food longer. Individuals who exercise intensely or moderately are more likely to feel hungry/unsatisfied with food intake. When diagnosing, these differences must be taken into account.

Patients themselves may not complain that they have lost their appetite, especially if the reason lies in depression/consequences of severe stress/psychological problems. In such cases, close relatives pay attention to reducing food consumption. Questionnaires or questionnaires are widely used to objectively assess appetite.

Severe symptoms of the underlying disease, such as fever, pain, diarrhea, themselves imply no need to eat. In such cases, diagnosis of appetite disorders is usually not required, since a bright clinic will not allow one or another serious disease to be missed.

Another thing is pathologies in which lack of appetite is the only symptom. Incorrect assessment can lead to late diagnosis and complications. An example is the notorious anorexia nervosa. In most cases, the pathology is detected by family and friends already in the presence of pronounced changes, when body weight is significantly reduced.

Common diseases accompanied by lack of appetite (pathology + code in accordance with the international classification of diseases ICD-10):

  • Anorexia nervosa F50;
  • Depression F30;
  • Anxiety disorders F40;
  • Acute stress disorder F43.0;
  • Bipolar disorder F31;
  • Drug addiction F10;
  • Thyroid hormone deficiency E03.9;
  • Tuberculosis A15;
  • Infectious mononucleosis B27;
  • Brucellosis A23;
  • Viral hepatitis B15, B16, B17;
  • HIV infection B23.0, acquired immune deficiency syndrome or AIDS B24;
  • Stomach cancer C16;
  • Lung cancer C33;
  • Liver cancer C22;
  • Pancreatic cancer C25;
  • Hodgkin's lymphoma C81;
  • Iron deficiency anemia D50.9;
  • Stomach ulcer K25;
  • Duodenal ulcer K26;
  • Gallstone disease K80.

The minimum required examination for a pathological decrease in the need for food:

  • General blood test with leukemia formula;
  • General blood analysis;
  • Blood chemistry;
  • Stool analysis;
  • Analysis of urine;
  • Chest X-ray;
  • Electrocardiography;
  • Consultation with a therapist.

Warning signs associated with lack of appetite

Loss of appetite during pregnancy

Dizziness, nausea and vomiting in pregnant women in the first trimester are often accompanied by a lack of appetite. For most women, these symptoms are mild or moderate. However, in severe cases, with frequent vomiting making it impossible to eat, serious complications can arise that threaten the health of the mother and child. Loss of more than 5% of weight due to dehydration, disturbance of water-salt and electrolyte balance in pregnant women can lead to pulmonary embolism, acute renal failure, blood coagulation disorders with the risk of disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome. In such cases, immediate hospitalization in the department of pathology of pregnant women and consultation with an obstetrician-gynecologist are required.

Loss of appetite in a child aged 0 to 3 years

Due to their intense metabolism, newborns and infants, as well as preschool children, have a good appetite. For this reason, lack of appetite should be regarded as a significant symptom, regardless of age.

Lack of appetite or breast refusal in newborns can be due to various reasons - from banal intestinal colic to a serious illness. If you have additional symptoms, such as drowsiness, lethargy, bluish skin, convulsions, high temperature, you should immediately seek emergency medical help.

Loss of appetite in an adult

The lack of need to eat in combination with a sharp, causeless loss of body weight is an alarming sign. The cause may be serious diseases, such as tumors of the gastrointestinal tract, HIV infection, tuberculosis, and cirrhosis of the liver. If additional symptoms are present, such as insomnia, sudden mood swings, irritability, depression, bipolar disorder, or suicidal thoughts should be suspected.

Loss of appetite in older people

In old age and senility, the need for food intake is significantly reduced due to a decrease in metabolic rate. Despite this, there is no loss of body weight. For this reason, an abnormal decrease in food intake in older people with weight loss is also a sign of pathology.

Loss of appetite is a signal from the body that something is wrong. A healthy person always needs food as a source of energy. Therefore, you should treat this symptom responsibly and find out its causes. Of particular concern is a decrease in appetite that lasts more than ten days.

Causes of poor appetite in adults

A person may lose interest in food due to several factors. But they all have a negative effect on the body.

Lack of appetite due to illness

Appetite decreases when various diseases appear:

  • ailments from the gastrointestinal tract. They can be both inflammatory and infectious in nature;
  • diseases of the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys;
  • diabetes and thyroid diseases;
  • rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases;
  • influenza and ARVI;
  • oncology;
  • neurological and mental disorders.

Wrong diet

The appetite of someone losing weight can also decrease significantly if they have an insatiable desire to get rid of excess weight in any way. An ill-conceived diet based on a small amount of calories exhausts the body.

A person becomes fixated on the fact that eating more food is a serious crime. Uncontrolled and long-term use of widespread methods of rapid weight loss can lead to anorexia, when any food causes painful aversion.

Incorrect fasting technique

The popularization of the so-called “miraculous” fasting, which supposedly improves health and relieves even incurable diseases, often leads people to acquire additional problems, including loss of appetite. Most often this happens when they are treated independently, without the supervision of a nutritionist.

Protest fasting, uncontrolled by specialists, also brings painful consequences.

Eating at different times and eating Low-quality products or eating at fast food chains can lead to the production of toxins in the body. Their effect weakens a person and ultimately impairs appetite.

With this method of eating, the situation is aggravated by an unbalanced diet. Typically, protein intake is reduced and fat and carbohydrate intake is increased. Essential vitamins and microelements are often missing.

Digestion may be upset, and subsequently metabolism will be disrupted.

Chemical drugs

Side effects of some medications reduce appetite:

  • antidiabetic;
  • anesthetics;
  • antibiotics;
  • painkillers;
  • cold medicine, etc.

Taking strong medications without medical advice can also be harmful. But usually after a certain time this effect goes away.

Due to strong feelings caused by the departure of loved ones, troubles at work, and domestic quarrels, a person often finds himself in a stressful state, which is fraught with a lack of appetite. Prolonged stay in such situations can lead to depression, which is also characterized by refusal to eat. Antidepressants prescribed by a specialist can help.

In addition to those mentioned, there are a number of other reasons for decreased interest in food. Nicotine, alcohol, drugs, excessive amounts of fatty foods, sweets and carbonated drinks suppress appetite. To these factors you can add low physical activity and prolonged use of herbal infusions.

Health hazards and possible complications

The lack of essential substances supplied with food is first manifested by poor health, a pronounced imbalance in nutritional balance.

  1. People engaged in physical labor complain of fatigue.
  2. Brain activity in students decreases.
  3. Drowsiness, dizziness, and then exhaustion of the body are observed.

Psychopathological disorders in those who lose weight cause anorexia. Now this disease is often neurogenic in nature. In advanced cases, the body cannot absorb food, muscles atrophy, and all systems fail. Possible death.

If you don’t feel like eating for more than two weeks, you need to go to the clinic. Experts will determine what causes this reaction in the body.

What to do if you have no appetite

If the loss of appetite is caused by irregular eating, you need to start eating more often, but little by little. The body will learn to regularly produce enzymes to digest it. During this period, you should refrain from snacking.

There are several other ways to get out of the painful state of food aversion.

Physical exercise

Physical activity in the fresh air helps awaken your appetite. Even after a regular walk, a certain amount of energy is consumed, which must be replenished with food.

  1. Simple gymnastic exercises in a room with an open window also stimulate the appetite.
  2. It is important to ventilate both bedrooms and workrooms more often.
  3. It is necessary to walk on weekends, as well as in the morning and evening, and in any weather, even rainy.
  4. You need to drink more water, especially if your physical activity increases. After all, sometimes it is dehydration that causes loss of appetite.

Infusions of plants with healing properties increase appetite,
if taken correctly - 30 minutes before meals. In case of emotional breakdowns, teas are brewed with peppermint, chamomile, lemon balm, and dill.

Bitter infusions of calamus or dandelion roots, wormwood leaves, yarrow, black currant, and plantain can restore appetite. Before using them, you should consult your doctor. Almost every plant has some contraindications for use.

  1. Juice from the leaves and stems of yarrow, mixed with honey, drink one teaspoon three times a day.
  2. In spring, salads are made from dandelion leaves.
  3. An infusion of two teaspoons of crushed dandelion rhizomes is prepared by pouring 200 g of cold water over them and leaving for 8 hours. Drink 50 g 4 times a day.
  4. Grind one teaspoon of wormwood and pour 200 g of boiling water. After 30 minutes the infusion is ready. Drink 20 g three times a day 20 minutes before meals.

Food of plant origin

Some common vegetables and fruits are good appetite stimulants:

  • onions and garlic are in the lead. Onions activate intestinal motility and strengthen the stomach. Garlic helps with exhaustion of the body;
  • radish juice;
  • citrus;
  • grape;
  • peaches;
  • apricots;
  • bananas;
  • sour apples;
  • sauerkraut.

Spices and herbs are also on this list. Use in reasonable quantities:

  • pepper;
  • horseradish;
  • mustard;
  • anise;
  • fenugreek;
  • rosemary;
  • ginger;
  • cinnamon.

Drugs to increase appetite

If the decrease in appetite is not due to illness, the attending physician will prescribe medications that will help cope with this problem. In addition to medications, a course of taking vitamins will be useful. These can be various multivitamin complexes, but it is desirable that they contain a high percentage of the most essential ones: C and B 12.

The presence of such a useful mineral as zinc in multivitamins is welcome. Its deficiency leads to a decrease in the sense of smell. And this feeling is very important for increasing appetite.

An effective food additive in this process is yeast. They contain a whole vitamin B complex.

In order for the desire to eat to arise systematically, it is strongly recommended to quit smoking or at least reduce the number of cigarettes smoked. In addition, it is advisable to stick to a daily routine.

One of the main reasons to sit down at the table is its beautiful setting, as well as deliciously prepared and nutritious food. When recovering from a crisis, it is advisable to eat foods rich in proteins.

Conclusion

Long-term loss of appetite is a serious health threat.

Appetite may be absent for a long time due to illness, irregular nutrition, stress, medication, non-compliance with diet rules and therapeutic fasting.

Loss of appetite threatens disruption of processes in the gastrointestinal tract, metabolic disorders, and irreversible changes in the body.

You need to eat regularly, increase physical activity, consume infusions of medicinal plants, vegetables, fruits, herbs, and prescribed medications.


In contact with